ACCEPTED! What's the secret?

shelleybelle · May 11, 2003

PRAY!

rebel_red · May 12, 2003

Hi Alexander,

No salient advice as to nursing school, still waiting to hear myself..might ask a moderator though to move your post over to the general nursing discussion. You will probably get tons more responses. Have to admit though it helps to keep your sense of humor during the whole process.

Welcome!

Tres

Jay-Jay, RN · May 12, 2003

Moving the thread now! :)

eak16 · May 12, 2003

At my school of nursing there was 406 applications this year for 80 spots. Most everyone had decent grades, so they had to dig deeper for acceptance...health care experience was mandantory, it could be either volunteer or something else like CNA, MA or RT. They also put a lot of emphasis on intercultural experience and general life experience, as well as a compelling personal essay that shows that you really grasp what you are getting into (and aren't just "fascinated by health care", etc..) A letter of reference from an RN was also required, as well as a proctored essay and extensive resume.

BUT- with as many applicants as some schools have, sometimes even highly qualified people often dont get in. So dont let it get you down, get some more health care experience (maybe in an out of the way setting such as a free clinic for the homeless or something) get more life experience, and try again.

Best of luck!

Pab_Meister · May 12, 2003

Thanks Jay-Jay! You super-mod, you!

:cool:

gwenith, BSN, RN · May 12, 2003

Eak16 nailed it pretty well. Many years ago when I was interviewing applicants for nursing we used the following to "red flag" those we did not accept.

!) those who told us they had a "higher calling" to help the sick

2) Those who wanted to "join the flying doctors" (it was a TV program popular at the time.

3) they wanted to care for "sick children" becaus ethey liked children (Oh Yeah try a day in Paeds when they are all hyper!)

Basically we were more interested in students who knew something about nursing. Read the treads on this board to get an idea (OOPS perhaps not - thinking of some of the threads - he might get the idea it is all about bad smells and difficult doctors!!!)

passing thru · May 12, 2003

Excellent suggestions. I think it helps to put a "face and voice" to your application also. Go to the school and talk to the personnel, instructors, secretaries, admissions office personnel. Be relaxed and personable, be "approachable." Be friendly and communicate easily, let them know HOW MUCH you want to be in the next class. A true desire to be a nurse and sincerity are two facets of your personality that are memorable to the school staff if you can leave them with those thoughts.

Pab_Meister · May 12, 2003

Hi Eek16!

Are you saying that for your school, prior experience is mandatory for getting accepted? Is this for the BSN program or the ADN? That seems like a very restrictive admittance policy. Does anyone else have an opinion on this? Is this fairly universal? I'm interested in the ADN program at a local U.S. college. I don't have any experience in health care, volunteer or otherwise. Am I being unrealistic in thinking that good grades in my pre-reqs alone will get me accepted?

I'd especially like to hear from other folks who are returning to school after being in the work force for 20 yrs.

With great thanks to all!

Pab_Meister · May 12, 2003

Hi Gwenith!

Thanks for your input as well. I just changed the part about nursing as a "calling" in my autobiographical essay! It does seem a bit cliche, now that you mention it!

The t.v. show, "The Flying Doctors", isn't that Australian? Pray tell, are you an Aussie?

Scavenger'sWife, RN · May 12, 2003

Alexander: I went into an ADN program. I applied late in the year and was initially told I would probably have to wait a year for admission because the class was filled. I figured I'd just take pre-reqs and wait. But then I was called for an interview, and was told I was accepted. The reasons they gave me (even tho the class was "full"): My ACT score was very high, I had some medical experience (I was working as an ophthalmic tech in an office and had phlebotomy experience), and also because I was "older" (44 years old) and they said they had found that older students were more mature and knew what they wanted, were less likely to fail or drop out.

Rhoresmith · May 12, 2003

Alexander,

I to have been advanced because I have medical experiance as a RT and a CNA and I worked and volunteer in Hospice. I went to the Director of the Program and said what do I need to do to get in this program. Told her I had limited time because of the type of program that is funding me. I am accepted into LPN program and on standby for ADN and director has told me she WANTS me in ADN because I spoke with her and my age 42 she said that older students know what they want and know how to sacrifice to get it. This put me ahead of people who had just as many prereqs out as me and same grades. YOU need something to stand out. I am sure if you think you can come up with something that will make you shine and be noticed. Good Luck